Kate Might Be The First To Use Princess Of Wales Title After Princess Diana
Fans have already started speculating what will happen when Prince William becomes king, and all the title he and his wife will get.
At the moment Prince William, husband of Kate Middleton, is second in line for the throne, coming right after his father Prince Charles, 71, the Prince of Wales, a title that Prince William might inherit as well.
When Prince William finally ascends to the British throne, his wife Kate Middleton will become the Queen Consort, but fans are speculating that before that the Duchess of Cambridge might take on another surprising title.
Technically, the Duchess of Cornwall, 72, Prince Charles’ wife, is currently entitled by law to the title of Princess of Wales, but out of respect for the late Princess Diana, she has decided not to use it.
Princess Diana, Prince William and Prince Harry’s mother, held the title of Princess of Wales until her untimely death, and since then no other royal has held the title. Well, royal experts say that there is a possibility that Kate Middleton will be next royal to use it.
Expert Iain MacMarthanne, who is writing a doctorate that focuses on the British monarchy told the Express.co.uk: “When Charles inherits the throne the Duke of Cambridge will automatically become Duke of Cornwall and Duke of Rothesay amongst other titles that are assumed by the heir to the throne.
“As his wife, Catherine will become Duchess of Cornwall and Rothesay.”
He added: “These new dukedoms will be in addition to that of Cambridge already held.”
According to Mr MacMarthanne, the Prince of Wales title will not automatically pass to William and will lie at Charles’ discretion.
He explained: “The title of Prince of Wales is not assumed automatically by the heir to the throne, and remains within the gift of the monarch.
“In the case of Charles, his mother the Queen created him Prince of Wales in 1958.”
Mr MacMarthanne added: “In the event of the Duke of Cambridge is made Prince of Wales, Catherine would automatically become Princess of Wales.
“Likewise, with the succession of William, Catherine will become Queen Consort.”
Prince Charles and Princess Diana divorced in 1996, exactly one year after Diana publicly spoke about Charles’ affair with Camilla Parker Bowles. In a BBC Panorama program, Diana controversially said that there were “three people” in her and Charles’ marriage.
Her death, as unexpected as it was, came a year later when the Princess of Wales was involved in a car crash that ultimately killed her. Due to this, it was deemed inappropriate for Prince Charles and Camilla to marry-until years later.
The two were officially married in 2005, with the speculation on which title Camilla will get when Charles becomes king starting immediately.
Mr MacMarthanne says that Camilla will become Queen Consort by law. Mr MacMarthanne explained: “Upon his accession, the Duchess of Cornwall will automatically become Queen Consort.”
“There has been much speculation over this issue principally because of the sensitivities relating to Diana, Princess of Wales.
“This, however, does not change the fact that in law the duchess will become Queen Consort.”
He added: “Indeed, presently she is entitled to be known as Princess of Wales, but again mindful of Diana, Princess of Wales the decision was taken to use one of Prince Charles’ subsidiary titles.
“There has been much debate as to what title will be taken when Charles becomes King, Princess Consort being one.
“There is no precedent for such a style, but that does not preclude its eventual use, nor would its use mitigate her legal right to be recognised as Queen Consort.”